Chiyoe Kubota
Chiyoe Kubota was known and beloved to many in her incredibly long life. Born on January 15, 1915, Chiyoe breathed life in a farmhouse located in the small farming community of Benson, Utah. At the age of 6, she would move to Miho, Japan where she enjoyed the views of Mt. Fuji with her younger brother, younger sister, and parents. As a student, Chiyoe was as bright as she was popular. Her contagious smile and beaming personality made her beloved by all her classmates. Her academic success would soon be recognized and Chiyoe was awarded with a soroban for her efforts.
Chiyoe would soon return to the states in 1932 to be with the love of her life, Zenpachi, and would bare 5 children: Midori (Miiko), Teruo (Howard), Kaoru (Al), Yachiyo (Yachi), and Yoshio (predeceased her). She was a devoted mother and wife who worked hard alongside her husband to provide for their family. Despite the cultural differences, she overcame this adversary and found the strength within herself to raise a village based on Japanese culture. Chiyoe loved food as much as she loved cooking it. She would often make dried fish, gohan (hot rice), and miso soup for her kids to start their day right. Every New Year, she would prepare a beautiful feast of symbolic dishes including sushi, sashimi, red lobster, red tail fish, red beans and rice, teriyaki chicken, and the list goes on.
Chiyoe was known for her many artistic talents, some of which include Bunka stitchery, crocheting, origami folding, and making Japanese Temari balls. Chiyoe’s Temari became famous with the Folklorist on the national and international level. They can be found at the State Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City. Not only recognized for her Temari balls, Chiyoe often received ribbons from state fairs for her Bunka stitchery. Anyone who was lucky to meet her knew that she had a natural charm and charisma that would make you gravitate towards her. No matter who the person was or where they came from, Chiyoe would welcome you with open arms and become a source of light for many.
On January 5th, 2025 in La Jolla, CA at the age of 109, Chiyoe was surrounded by her surviving children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren before she passed away from kidney failure. Chiyoe’s light-hearted and enjoyable personality continues to live on with everyone’s heart-warming stories. From fishing trips to delicious food, from fun games and arts, Chiyoe embodied the roles of a traditional Japanese woman beautifully in America. Mama, Okasan, Grandma, Obachan, Obaba, Chiyoe. Thank you for your endless love and support. We will see you again soon.
